WAIT 'TILL NEXT YEAR...

The Dodgers magical run came to a close on Saturday night. The game was a microcosm for the Dodgers season. There where let downs, and clutch moments. There was joy, and sorrow. It was with in grasp, and yet we came so close. The game last night was just like the previous two games, a lot of mistakes, and wasted opportunities. We really beat ourselves. It hurts to have come so far, and no be able to finish the goal. More than any other year, I am looking forward to next year the most. Next season our ball club should be even better. All of our young players gained an invaluable amount of experience, and should be even better than they where this year. Jeff Kent will have all offseason to rehab his injuries, Ned Colletti will more than likely bring in quality free agents that will help the team. The one area that should be addressed immediately is starting pitching. The team can no longer go depending on people like Aaron Sele, Bret Tomko, and Eric Stults. Ned Colletti needs to go after Barry Zito, Jason Schmidt, or Daisuke Matsuzaka. Maybe even look at some trade options. Although I would advice against trading prized prospects such as Andy LaRoche, Scott Elbert, and Clay Kershaw. There are also going to be tough decision such as what to do with Nomar Garciaparra, Eric Gagne, Kenny Lofton, Greg Maddux, and Julio Lugo. I could part ways with all these players except Eric Gagne. Ned Colletti needs to bring back Eric Gagne. Like I have said before, Eric Gagne was the face of the Dodgers. He captivated the city of Angels with his swagger, and trademark goggles. He shutdown opponents with his overpowering fastball, and knee-buckling curve. Eric Gagne needs to be given an opportunity to regain his former form as the top closer in Baseball. It would be a real shame to see Eric closing out games for another franchise. Lets not make the same mistake we made with Mike Piazza, Steve Garvey, and Paul LoDuca. Let Eric finish a Dodger. As for Nomar, I would love to see him back on the team but he will most likely want a big contract. I could see a situation in which Nomar, Kent, and James Loney share equal time between second and first. This is going to be a offseason of many questions, hopefully we get the right answers. I think the team might end up looking something like this...

Lineup
ss. Rafael Furcal
c. Russell Martin
cf. Alfonso Soriano (It is going to be a steep prize)
2b. Jeff Kent
rf. J.D. Drew (I doubt he will opt out of his contract)
lf. Andre Ethier
1b. James Loney
3b. Andy LaRoche (my heart says LaRoche, my brain says Wilson Betemit)


Rotation
Barry Zito
Derek Lowe
Brad Penny (really hoping he gets it together)
Chad Billingsley
Hong Chih Kuo

Pen
Eric Gagne
Jonathan Broxton
Takashi Saito
John Meloan
Greg Miller
Bret Tomko (only because of his huge contract)

By the way, the Arizona Fall League is only weeks away, time to go see some of our prospects perform.


BELIEVE IN BLUE!